BY REUTERS
World leaders are speaking at the U.N. climate summit in Baku on Wednesday.
Here are the latest comments:
ALBANIA PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA
“I decided to leave aside my well prepared speech because …yesterday I was watching the silent TV in the leaders’ lounge, where the organizers have thoughtfully added green plants above the comfortable couches.
“People there eat, drink, meet, and take photos together, while images of voiceless speeches from leaders play on and on and on in the background.
“To me, this seems exactly like what happens in the real world everyday. Life goes on with its old habits, and our speeches, filled with good words about fighting climate change, change nothing.”
IRAN VICE PRESIDENT SHINA ANSARI (via translator)
“We hope that (the) international community, free from political issues, will stand together, exchange knowledge, transfer technology and facilitate accessing financial resources without discrimination, and fully lift unilateral sanctions against countries, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“However, we cannot forget the fact that the current climate situation of the world is the result of the industrial policies of (a) few developed countries and developing states shall not be deprived of their right to development because of what others have done.
“Once again, we emphasize that if this conference should intend to prove its goodwill in striving for a better future for all, while persisting on avoiding double standards to achieve meaningful actions by all countries to achieve these goals.”
VATICAN SECRETARY OF STATE CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLI
“A true ecological debt exists, particularly between the global north and south, connected to commercial imbalances, which affects on the environment and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time.
“Therefore, it is essential to seek a new international financial architecture that is human-centered .. and based on the principles of equity, justice and solidarity. A financial architecture that can truly ensure for all countries, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable to climate disasters, both low carbon and high sharing development pathways.”
BAHAMAS PRIME MINISTER PHILIP DAVIS
“Already, catastrophic climate events worldwide have led to significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure. And yet, we persist in responding to these events as though they are merely unfortunate, isolated, and national incidents. I ask you to look beyond borders, beyond flags: the fires that devour your forests and the hurricanes that devastate our homes are not distant misfortunes but shared tragedies.
“What we endure, you endure. What we lose, you lose. And if we fail to act, it will be our children and grandchildren who bear the burden, their dreams reduced to memories of what could have been.”
GREECE PRIME MINISTER KYRIAKOS MITSOTAKIS
“Europe and the world must be more honest about the trade offs involved in the energy transition. Yes, the energy transition will, in the long run, lower costs, but this transition will not be painless.
“We need to ask hard questions about a path that goes very fast at the expense of our competitiveness, and a path that goes somewhat slower but allows our industry to adapt and to thrive. It is our responsibility to weigh these trade offs carefully, not to whisk them away.
“Our citizens are faced with unprecedented climate shocks, we need more resources to prepare to respond in time, in order to save lives and livelihoods and to help people and communities rebuild after disaster. We cannot focus so much on 2050 that we forget 2024.”
